Notes from Spring Training: 2/15

Due to more inclement weather, the Mets took the field a bit after 12 PM and only worked out briefly in Port St. Lucie.  Below are tidbits that emerged from camp today (newest at the top)…

• Terry Collins reiterated that Jenrry Mejia will work as a starting pitcher during camp once his visa issue is cleared up, and that he would work as a starter for AAA Las Vegas once the season begins (barring an injury to one of the Mets’ current projected starting pitchers).

• Terry Collins says that if Marlon Byrd performs like he did during his days with the Cubs, he can win the right field job “outright.”  That comment from Collins is frightening.  Over the last three seasons, Byrd’s batting average has dropped from .293 to .276 to .210.  His on base percentage has gone from .346 to .324 to .243, and his slugging percentage has plummeted from .429 to .395 to .245.  Byrd is 35 years old (he’ll be 36 in August), and is coming off a suspension for performance enhancing drugs.  Handing him a starting job, regardless of how well he performs in the spring, would be absurd.

• According to the beat writers, Marlon Byrd has arrived at camp.  The only players who have yet to arrive are Jenrry Mejia (visa issue), Jordany Valdespin, and minor league shortstop Wilfredo Tovar.

February 14, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman

(5) hits in the cage during spring training at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

• After Fred Wilpon referred to him as the “Derek Jeter of the Mets,” here’s what David Wright had to say in response.

• Here’s a picture from Adam Rubin of the Mets taking the field, with Terry Collins in the background.

• Wally Backman, the current manager of AAA Las Vegas, tells the Post he’s still aiming to manage in the majors.  Adam Rubin of ESPN notes that Backman’s stock has risen, but that he may not be the frontrunner to manage the Mets if Terry Collins isn’t retained.

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